Description
A quick, one-pot weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, creamy orzo pasta, and fresh spinach. This recipe is designed for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz dried orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides (3-4 minutes per side). Remove chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using). Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add dry orzo to the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring until nutty and coated in fat.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Check orzo for tenderness (al dente). If needed, add a splash of broth and cook 2 more minutes.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and melt the cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the orzo as it continues to absorb liquid after removing from heat. Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting results. Add spinach off-heat to keep it vibrant. For a dairy-free version, swap cream for coconut milk and butter for olive oil. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free orzo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one-pot meal, chicken orzo, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, spinach recipe, easy dinner, comfort food